15 flee after car crash, later three detained

Feb. 13, 2012 at 9:04 p.m.Updated Feb. 12, 2012 at 8:13 p.m.

About 15 people fled from an abandoned vehicle early Monday morning near Loop 463 and the Houston Highway.

A Nissan Armada was found in a grassy area near a neighborhood golf course when Victoria police responded to a possible automobile crash at 8:20 a.m., according to a news release from the Victoria Police Department.

Officers conducted a search, but deteriorating weather conditions prevented a thorough canvassing of the area, according to the news release.

About 12:30 p.m., three people in a nearby subdivision were detained and interviewed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. They were found to be in the country illegally, according to the news release.

Anyone in the area of Houston Highway and Loop 463 who observes suspicious people walking is encouraged to call the Victoria Police Department Telecommunications Center at 361-573-3221.

Of the three detained, two were juveniles, 16-year-old boys from Guatemala, Victoria Police Lt. Ralph Buentello said. The two had been travelling since early January and were picked up by ICE officials Monday night, Buentello said.